Diabetic Foot Care
Currently, there are over 23 million people in the United States with diabetes and over six million people with diabetes who are not diagnosed. Interestingly enough, the human foot has been called the mirror of health, and podiatrists are often the first to see signs of systemic conditions, particularly diabetes.
Unfortunately, one of the major complications of diabetes can and does involve the lower extremities and the feet. Remember, foot and ankle health is important to your overall well being, mobility, and pursuit of fitness. If you have pre-diabetes or diabetes, it is crucial for you to have a regular foot examination by your primary care physician. Early diagnosis and care help to prevent diabetic foot problems.
People with diabetes are more prone to have problems with their feet. Even ordinary foot problems such as corns, calluses, a cut or a scratch on a diabetic person’s foot can lead to serious problems. Nerve damage called diabetic neuropathy can cause pain or even loss of feeling in your feet, thus you may not even be aware of an issue until it becomes more serious. If you have diabetes, be sure to examine your feet daily, and see a doctor as soon as any problems develop.
What A Podiatrist Will Do For You:
- Perform a physical examination
- Perform x-ray evaluation.
- Perform debridement and wound care.
- Conduct laboratory tests.
- Initiate a total medical team approach, which may include your family practice doctor, endocrinologist, internist, vascular surgeon, and infectious disease specialist
